San Diego is known for many things: restaurants, beaches, shopping, and an assortment of talented musicians and artists. The music scene, on the other hand, is incredibly eclectic and deserves some recognition. You can enjoy most of the live music around town without having to be 21, which is a plus for many of us! Here is a list of ten of the best venues in San Diego that host well-known and up and coming musicians. Enjoy!
This cool kid nightclub and music venue hosts some of the raddest artists, both well-known and up and coming. The majority of shows here are for 21 and up, however, if you look on their website, they mention specific performances that don’t require being 21. This is a go-to spot for anyone looking to broaden his or her taste in music.
Address: 2501 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA || (619) 232-4355
Hillcrest is one of the trendiest areas in San Diego with some of the best restaurants and cafés, but receives little acknowledgement. LeStat’s Coffee House is by far the most extensive and delicious coffee houses, not to mention they’re open 24 hours! It’s the perfect place to get some studying done while listening to local singers and guitarists. This spot has great vibes and you don’t have to be 21…oh, and they make an awesome tuna sandwich.
Address: 3343 Adams Ave. San Diego, CA || (619) 282-0437
This is one of the more underrated spots in downtown San Diego. Tin Roof has blown up since their opening during the Summer of 2014, and since then they’ve not only had some fantastic artists play on their stage, but they’ve completely expanded their menu and cocktail choices! They have an open patio for anyone in need of fresh air and if one bar isn’t enough, don’t worry…they have three! This is a great spot to hang out with friends, get a good bite to eat, and listen to some great music.
Address: 401 G St, San Diego, CA 92101 || (619) 230-8606
Ocean Beach has an incredible amount of small but rowdy music venues, and Winstons Beach Club is one of the best. This groovy place is just two blocks from the beach and hosts some great local shows for anyone looking to have a fun night out. Winstons is illuminated at night with awesome lighting, offering a laid back environment with great beer on tap and an open dance floor.
Address: 1921 Bacon St, San Diego, CA || (619) 222-6822
This beach side bar has colorful decor, great drinks, an abundance of flat screen TV’s for sports fanatics, and always hosts live bands. However, the best part about this joint is the Karaoke. Not only can you listen to professional singers, but you too can show off your own vocals and dance moves!
Address: 710 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA || (858) 483-7844
This open stage venue offers a seriously awesome view of Shelter Island, and those who are on boats, paddle boards, or kayaks, are able to watch and listen to live bands for free! The acoustics in this particular setting are outstanding. Sitting down for a nice dinner by the water and listening to some great music sounds like the perfect night.
Address: 2241 Shelter Island Dr. San Diego, CA || (619) 224-3577
Belly Up Tavern is fantastic for its casual low-key vibe, and great live music. The room is filled with cool art, unique and comfortable furniture, and an awesome stage for their wide range of musicians. On the outside of the building they do a great job of updating their upcoming performances with dates and times, so make sure you check it out if you are in the area.
Address: 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA || (858) 481-8140
North Park, Hillcrest, and Normal Heights are all areas that deserve praise for their insanely good food and music spots, Soda Bar being one of many. Soda Bar is a super funky, retro, and mellow place to have good conversation and listen to local San Diego artists. This place comes highly recommended and receives fantastic reviews from regulars and out-of-towners.
Address: 3615 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA || (619) 255-7224
House of Blue’s is one of the most popular and iconic venues for live music in San Diego, so it’s necessary to be on this list. It really is one of the greatest places to hang out with friends, throw back some good drinks, and enjoy the art of music. If you talk to anyone, especially a local, they will tell you this is one of their number one spots for a good night out for listening to music.
Address: 1055 5th Ave, San Diego, CA || (619) 299-2583
The Shout House is unlike any other. This rock n roll nightclub and bar located in downtown San Diego is famous for their dueling pianos and sing-along dynamic. The atmosphere is unmatchable and consistently known to have a packed audience due to their diverse and unique way of hosting live music events. Everyone who goes always has a rockin’ time.
Address: 655 4th Ave, San Diego, CA || (619) 231-6700